What’s this? Google has actually updated something in Google Voice? Could this mean the search giant hasn’t completely given up on the service, like so many people have been fearing?
When logging into the Google Voice web interface, users are now being greeted with the message that appears above. Basically, the newer version of Google Contacts that rolled out several months ago is now being integrated tightly with Google Voice, and the old version is being phased out. Additionally, the new Google Contacts now officially supports placing calls and sending texts using Google Voice – I actually noticed this feature in Google Contacts a while ago, so it must have been something that Google was quietly rolling out for a while now.
I find this to be great news, because Google Voice has been sorely neglected for a while now. For a very long time, the Android app received no updates, and its most recent update was only to fix compatibility issues with Jelly Bean – not to give users any new features or improve on existing features. The desktop version of Google Voice has been ignored for even longer than the Android app, and there have been no new announcements regarding more carrier integration outside of Sprint or the progress of MMS messaging.
Indeed, many people have been fearing that Google Voice has been abandoned, and that Google might even eventually stop maintaining it. So today’s update is very welcome, and hopefully, it might even be a sign that we’ll start seeing more new features roll out soon.
Bout time voice and maps are the best things google got going on.
I was equally glad to see the update (and continued commitment to Google Voice). Been wondering how they were going to leverage their strength elsewhere vis à vis Skype (beyond undercutting prices).
John, you might be interested in my company’s service that automatically updates Google Contacts (past, present and future emails). Feel free to give it a spin here: WriteThat.name
Cheers,
Brad
Hi Brad – that looks interesting. I may have to check it out!